what is a dry socket?

Question

I'm getting all of my wisdom teeth pulled out soon and did some pain research here, and came across warnings of " dry sockets" quite often, and were wondering exactly what they. were and how mud of a threat they impose.

Answer 1

Dry sockets can happen if you don't take care of your wound properly after having your wisdom teeth removed.



Here's something I looked up for you:



Dry sockets are a fairly common complication associated with tooth extractions. The formation of a dry socket involves a scenario where the blood clot which forms in the tooth socket's after the extraction isn't properly retained (either it disintegrates by way of fibrinolysis or becomes dislodged). Since this blood clot is an important factor in protecting the boney socket and initiating the healing process, the healing of the extraction site is interrupted and becomes delayed.



SYMPTOMS:

With most tooth extractions a dental patient will experience some level of discomfort at the extraction site (no matter how minor) on the day the tooth has been removed and then, with each day that passes, less and less pain as the healing process progresses. In those cases where a dry socket forms, the patient typically notices that their level of discomfort does progressively diminish for the first few days but then, between three and five days after the extraction, pain from the extraction site begins to intensify.



SIGNS&SYMPTOMS:

The pain associated with a dry socket can be moderate to severe in intensity and often has a throbbing component. The pain can be just localized to the extraction site or it may radiate from the extraction site to the patient's ear or eye (on the same side of their face). Additionally, the dental patient may notice a foul odor or taste emanating from the tooth socket. Upon visual inspection (when possible) the tooth socket will appear to be empty (minimal or no blood clot or granulation tissue present) and when looking down into the socket exposed bone is visible. The term "dry socket" is derived from this empty socket appearance. The lymph nodes in the patient's jaw or neck may become enlarged.



HOW OFTEN TO THEY OCCUR?

The frequency of occurrence for dry sockets, when considering for all tooth extractions collectively, is roughly on the order of 1 to 3%. Extractions involving lower teeth, especially molars, are statistically more likely to result in dry socket formation. Dry sockets may occur in as many as 20% of the cases involving the extraction of mandibular (lower) impacted wisdom teeth.



WHAT CAUSES DRY SOCKETS?

The exact pathogenesis of dry socket formation has yet to be determined. There are, however, several contributing factors that have been suggested which seem to place the dental patient at greater risk for experiencing a dry socket. Dental research has yet to definitively determine the exact pathogenesis associated with dry socket formation. However, as we discussed previously, dry sockets result from a situation where the blood clot that normally forms in the tooth's socket after an extraction has not been properly retained.



Dental researchers have identified a number of factors that appear to be associated with an increase incidence of experiencing a dry socket and we have listed many of these factors below. We should bring to your attention however that the results of many studies are conflicting and therefore not all of the (potential) risk factors we list here are necessarily accepted by the dental community as a whole. Your dentist should be able to shed light on those factors that their experience has demonstrated to them are significant.



Dental patients who don't follow their dentist's postoperative instructions have a greater incidence of dry sockets.



- We've listed this factor first because this is absolutely something you have control over. People who follow their dentist's instructions after having a tooth extracted, especially those regarding allowing a blood clot to form and then protecting it, will have fewer postoperative complications.



Typically a dentist will advise their patients that after a tooth extraction they should, at minimum, place firm biting pressure on the gauze packing that the dentist has placed over their extraction sit

Answer 2

Dry Socket Appearance

Answer 3

Dry socket is a condition that can develop after having an extraction.

Basically what it is, is that the socket- (The empty socket after the tooth has been extracted) dries out, meaning that the 'blood clot' that was suppposed to form has either fallen out, been pushed out, or you don't have enough blood flow to the area.



Dry Socket develops during the 48-72 hour stage, if at all. The reason for this is usually because bleeding from the socket can last from anywhere between a few hours to 48 hours! Usually there's heavy bleeding at first, but it slows down and gradually forms a blood clot, which is essential for the socket to heal itself!



Many people if they take the proper precautions won't develop dry socket, which is an extremely painful condition, which can be treated easily by the dentist, but it can be very painful.

If dry, the socket leaves nerves and bone exposed to the elements. Even sucking in a deep breath can hurt when you have a dry socket.



Basically there's a list of after-care instructions you MUST follow



- Do not spit for 72 hours

- Do not suck anything for 72 hours

- Do not use a straw for 72 hours

- Do not smoke for 72 hours

- Do not drink alcohol for 72 hours

- Do not rinse for 24 hours

- Do not forcefully spit out any of the blood for 24 hours (if you feel it's too much let it drip out. As gross as it sounds, it's the safest)

- No hot foods/drinks for 48 hours

- Keep your head elevated with two or more pillows at night if it's still bleeding heavily. It will help stem the blood flow and allow a clot to form

- No poking around the extraction site! Don't touch!!!

- Remember to bite down on the gauze the dentist will provide you for 30-40 minutes when the socket (s) are bleeding heavily.

If you run out of gauze, you can use a wet tea bag- the tanin in the tea will help.



If you follow these instructions (your dentist will go through them with you on the day) you wont have to fear about dry socket



Dry socket usually only occurs on the lower jaw- as the upper jaw has a better blood flow due to gravity!



Note that blood clots DO fall out.



If you notice they fall out, gently spit out- or wipe out, and if your socket is still BLEEDING don't worry, a new clot WILL form. It's VERY common for the clots to fall out at first. Best idea to help it clot up again is lay down with your head ELEVATED. Two pillows does the trick.



If the extraction site has stopped bleeding and it's been more than 48 hours since the last bleed and it doesn't look as though it's going to start bleeding again, and the blood clot falls out, then you should call your dentist.



Don't worry, if you follow the instructions and take care of yourself, you're very unlikely to get a dry socket.



They're not actually dangerous as such, but they do hurt!

If you do develop a dry socket, you'll be required to visit the dentist every day to get a medicated 'pack' to place in the socket to help it heal.

It's like a gauze pad they pack into the socket!

Answer 4

I smoked five minutes after getting my wisdom teeth pulled. I never got dry socket. Dry socket is rare. It's like side effects posted on medications. you normally don't have any major ones. It's just a possibility.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

what is a dry socket?

I'm getting all of my wisdom teeth pulled out soon and did some pain research here, and came across warnings of " dry sockets" quite often, and were wondering exactly what they. were and how mud of a threat they impose.

Answer 6

it's a slowly healing injury ...

the mouth is full of blood vessels , so we suppose that injuries result from pulling out teeth & so , these should heal fast.

but for some reason , like : immunosuppresion , disease, malnutrition, bad oralhigiene, so on ... these will delay healing ... no extra pain, just the patient will have a hole in that area , will take time to disappear ...

Answer 7

When the blood cot comes out and there is nothing to cover the exposed nerves.

It is not very dangerous,but can be extremely painful.